Disinfect Your Digital Devices

Want to know the most germ-filled thing you own?

Probably your cell phone.

Next would be your computer keyboard and/or laptop/tablet.

In this CoVid-19 era of germ-phobia, you might want to start cleaning your digital devices a few times every day.

Especially clean them several times daily if you have the terrible habit of using your cell phone while you're using a restroom! Yuck! Can you say E. coli?

You may not be cleaning your cell phone and other devices because you don't know how to do it without damaging them.

So let's take it item by item.

iPhone Disinfection

Buy cell phone wipes at the store or make your own disinfecting solution using 60% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water.

Get a clean soft cloth or a microfiber cloth or some cotton swabs (Q-tips). Mix up a solution of 4 tablespoons of alcohol and 6 tablespoons of distilled water although tap water would probably work if you're in a pinch.

Dampen a small section of the cloth or a Q-tip in this solution—dampen, don't have liquid dripping from the swab or cloth. Wipe the damp cloth over both sides and edges of the phone. It should dry in seconds.


Keyboard, Tablet, or Laptop Disinfection

If your device has batteries, remove them. If attached to a computer, turn computer off, and unplug the device. If a tablet or laptop, turn off.

Turn the keyboard, tablet, or laptop upside down and shake to dislodge crumbs of food that may be caught between and under the keys.

Using the same disinfection solution above, dampen Q-tips and go over the top of every key and in between the keys. There should be no visible dripping going on.

Use a dampened soft cloth to wipe down the body of the keyboard including the bottom.

Set it aside for an hour or so to make sure it dries completely. Plug it back in and boot up.

Cleaning Monitors/Screens

We swipe tablets; we touch monitors and screens. Germs can be a problem as much as fingerprints and dust, but monitors, tablet screens, etc. are tricky. It's easy to damage them. Buy monitor cleaning cloths for safe results.

If you really feel you need to clean your screens because of CoVid-19, use a solution of distilled water and mild soap like Ivory dishwashing liquid or a product made for monitor screens.

Dampen a microfiber cloth and wring it out then use it to wipe down the screen. Wipe away any trace of moisture with a clean dry cloth.

Never use paper towels or tissues because they contain wood fibers and can damage the screen. Never use a household cleaner like Windex. Never spray anything on the monitor.

Takeaway Truth

Make cleaning your devices a regular habit.